| Education |
Moulage class helps RTS-Medical staff create realism |
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By Lou Ann M. Mittelstaedt, Triad Staff
The compound-complex fracture already had significant ouch factors -- ragged ends of broken bone protruding through torn flesh and the requisite blood surrounding it all. But the finishing touch came when some sinewy highlights were painted on strategic areas. Now the "wound" looked real. Selected Regional Training Site (RTS) - Medical staff members recently participated in a moulage class where they learned skills necessary to create 12 types of realistic-looking wounds ranging from minor abrasions to major amputations. These wounds, combined with additional make up appropriate to the scenario, will be applied to mannequins or human role players who are "casualties" to be treated by military medical personnel during medical training exercises. According to Barb Welch, instructor in charge of the RTS-Medical Skills Lab and Mannequin Facility, the four-day class was just the beginning of the process. The staff members will be creating approximately 5,000 wounds that will be used to support medical training, Welch said. The simulated wounds may be used multiple times before being discarded. The lifespan of the wounds is dependent upon such factors as exposure to heat and wear and tear (no pun intended). The realism of the wounds is important, Welch said, so medical personnel who are training here have a good visual index of the types of injuries they may be treating in a combat situation and can respond with appropriate triage and treatment techniques. The training was led by Image Perspectives of Carson City, Nev. |
